Take your generosity on the road with you this summer.

By: Jenna Ray | Deputy Executive Director, Community Impact

Summer has arrived in Minnesota, and soon many of us will be hitting the road to visit our favorite spots across the North Star State.

For some, that might mean heading up to the cabin in search of rest and rejuvenation. For others, it could mean day tripping to enjoy a state park, historic site, or community celebration, or just stopping in at places that feel like home.

Each of our communities across the state—large, small, and everywhere in between—is made special by the people who live there, their community traditions and stories, main street businesses, and the network of nonprofits and schools that make them the kind of place that calls you home year after year. 

As you’re traveling around Minnesota this summer, I hope you’ll take one more step with me: make a gift to the nonprofits and schools that are the beating hearts of Greater Minnesota’s vibrant communities.

Some of them, you’ve likely heard about or seen in action. Maybe it’s a community food pantry or shelter, a sports league bringing smiles to athletes and fans of all ages, a park or museum that opens its gates and doors to all comers, or a house of worship that reflects your faith tradition. The possibilities, like the depths and breadth of Lake Superior, are limitless.

For me, family and a love of place take me across Minnesota quite often. On my travels to the Northland, I’ve made a point to support the Duluth Art Institute and the North American Bear Center, where my son Max made his first-ever charitable gift and was featured on their donor wall. I often travel to New Ulm to see my dad's side of the family, and supported the Friends of the New Ulm Public Library in honor of his love of reading.

And although west central Minnesota isn’t my primary home anymore, it’s still home in my heart and generosity. I’m still a supporter of West Central Initiative, the Stevens Community and Grant County Humane Societies, Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance, Prairie Wind Players, and WCA Education Foundation—all organizations near and dear to my heart, my family, and our communities.

Generosity can be a family activity, too! Ask the kiddos in your life what types of organizations matter to them, or invite them to be a part of your gift-making, too. Those memories of giving, along with the fun of a family vacation, will last for a lifetime.

So as you’re on the road this summer, take note of the organizations that are making each of your stops feel like home, whether just for the day or all year round. Giving brings us all joy, so take a moment to support the communities you love and invest in their future.

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Jenna Ray is deputy executive director of community impact at GiveMN.